Research shows cancer can be cured by Yoga: Union Minister

Panaji, Mar 26: Union Minister Shripad Naik today said a research has proved that yoga can cure diseases like cancer and propagated the use of AYUSH as alternative medical practices.

"A Bengaluru-based institute has proved with research that diseases like cancer can be cured by yoga. They have proved it," Naik said during the inauguration of National Arogya fair in Goa today.

The minister, however, did not mention the name of the institute and appealed the people to practice Ayurveda, Yoga and naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) as alternative medicines. Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar also made a similar claim during his speech while launching 'Common Yoga Protocol', a guide to the upcoming World Yoga Day on June 21.

"It is said that diseases like AIDS and cancer can be cured by Ayurveda. We should conduct necessary research on this aspect so that India can revolutionise the health sector of the world," Parsekar said. Earlier in his speech, the Union minister said the proponents of AYUSH are not against allopathy.

"All the forms of medicines should have health of patient at its focus point," Naik said. He said there should be integration of medicines so that ailments like cancer, high sugar, obesity and others are uprooted.

The minister also announced the proposed tie up with the US in the field of AYUSH to treat cancer. "During the last one and half year, (the knowledge of) AYUSH has travelled places including the US. We will soon be signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with America in the field of research on curing cancer by AYUSH medicinal practice," Naik said.

He said the World Health Organisation (WHO) also wants to join hands with India to spread awareness about AYUSH. Naik said alike All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, the ministry is working towards setting up AYUSH AIIMS in each state of the country.